French cycling, Mercier replica bike Raymond POULIDOR.
*In 1972, with the arrival of the National Insurance Group (GAN) is a revolution in the field. Indeed, the purple jersey Mercier disappears after fifty years of presence. The new partner requires its colors on the jersey. Thus was born the Gan-Mercier-Hutchinson group, led by Louis Caput and riders wear turquoise navy blue jersey, white, blue. The presence of this group in platoons last five years until 1976.
Raymond POULIDOR (Eng.), born April 15, 1936 at Masbaraud-Mérignat (Creuse). Climber and roller. Professional from 1960 to 1977.
It has been for almost twenty years one of the most popular and beloved characters, in France and abroad. His character, his simplicity, his composure that he is victorious or defeated earned him admiration and his unusual nickname "Poupou" was shouted by the public as a passionate invocation. Turned pro at 24, after 28 months of military service in North Africa, he has managed his career remarkably since it has managed to maintain a bright level up to 41 years in which he retired.
Despite the designation of "eternal second" that has been assigned, it can boast of a prestigious list which stand in Milan-San Remo 61, the Flèche Wallonne 63 Vuelta 64, the Criterium du Dauphine 66 63 Paris-Nice, the Grand Prix of Nations 63, the Grand Prix of Lugano and 63 other successes that confirm his abilities full riders. Hard in the ribs, excellent in the race against the clock and bo sprinter, it n 'is certainly no shortage of temperament.
But his long career has never offered him the joy of victory in the Tour de France that he loves more than anything and he was a brilliant protagonist. He failed, even for a single day, to wear the yellow jersey in 14 participations in the Tour that saw him finish third at 62, 8th in 63, 2nd in 64 and 65, 3rd at 66, 9th in 67, 69 in the third (after a drop in 68), 7th in 70, 72 in the third, 74 in the second (after a drop in 73), 19th in 75, third at 76. He has participated 15 times in the World Championship, finishing second at 74, third at 61, 64 and 66, 60 and 63 in the fifth.
R.Poulidor performing any feats of his career at age 38, winning the sixth stage of the Tour de France
Seo de Urgel - Saint Lary. Starting eight kilometers from the finish, he distanced Eddy Merckx, wearing the yellow jersey, and triumphed at the top of the dish to Adet, preceding the Spanish José Lopez-Carril forty-one seconds. There were seven years Raymond Poulidor n had not won a stage in the TDF. It was also his last success in this event.
Bike restored:
Frame and fork Reynolds 531 tubing. Campagnolo Record equipment (brakes, derailleurs, headset, bottom bracket, pedals, saddle and wheel boss kits). Cinelli handlebars and caps, plastic handlebar tape. Saddle Cinelli "Unicanitor". Tubular wheels, rims Super Champion. Maillard freewheel 6 speed. Sedis chain. Toe clips and straps Christophe. Bottle holder TA TA Evian water bottle TDF.
Bike weight: 9.750 kg.